PARIS — Philip DuBois, administrator of Market Square Health Care Center, has announced that Cristina Dingley, LPN, was the 2009 recipient of the Gladys Stewart Book Scholarship. Dingley was also a caregiver for Gladys Stewart and was presented with her scholarship check by Henry Stewart, Gladys’ son, on June 29.

The Stewart Book Scholarship was founded by Mrs. Stewart’s family in her memory last year. The goal of the fund is to assist Market Square staff and their children as they aspire to enhance their education and skills. The Stewart family recognizes that there are few scholarships available to help with book expenses, and books can generate substantial expenses for students.

Of the scholarship and Dingley, Henry Stewart, scholarship founder, said, “The Stewart family is privileged to participate in the award of the Gladys Stewart Book Scholarship to Cristina Dingley this morning. My mother was always grateful for the compassionate care that Cristina and other caregivers provided to her during her years at Market Square. I have very warm memories of arriving at Market Square on a Sunday morning and seeing Cristina, all dressed up after coming from church, distributing medications to Mother and other residents. We are pleased to be able to help Cristina continue her nursing education.”

Funds for the scholarship were made possible in part by a donation to the Stewart Book Scholarship fund by the Cressy family in memory of Donald and Vera Cressy and in honor of the care they received while at MSHCC.

Dingley has completed the first of a two-year nursing program at Central Maine Community College and recently passed her LPN nursing exam.

DuBois said, “Cristina is very smart and dedicated; she is a wonderful addition to the Market Square family. The Stewart family and Market Square are pleased to assist her in pursuing her goals.”

Those interested in learning more about the Market Square Health Care Center should visit www.wmhcc.org for more information. Market Square Health Center is a member of the Maine Health® family.